Then B is predicable of C; for the planets do not twinkle. But A is
also predicable of B, since that which does not twinkle is near--we
must take this truth as having been reached by induction or
sense-perception. Therefore A is a necessary predicate of C; so that
we have demonstrated that the planets are near. This syllogism,
then, proves not the reasoned fact but only the fact; since they are
not near because they do not twinkle, but, because they are near, do
not twinkle. The major and middle of the proof, however, may be
reversed, and then the demonstration will be of the reasoned fact.
Thus: let C be the planets, B proximity, A not twinkling. Then B is an
attribute of C, and A-not twinkling-of B. Consequently A is predicable
of C, and the syllogism proves the reasoned fact, since its middle
term is the proximate cause. Another example is the inference that the
moon is spherical from its manner of waxing. Thus: since that which so
waxes is spherical, and since the moon so waxes, clearly the moon is
spherical. Put in this form, the syllogism turns out to be proof of
the fact, but if the middle and major be reversed it is proof of the
reasoned fact; since the moon is not spherical because it waxes in a
certain manner, but waxes in such a manner because it is spherical.
Pages:
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54